SSUET’s orientation ceremony on January 16

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The admission process, having started a couple of months back at the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, is continuing with the orientation ceremony planned to be held on January 16, 2014.

The admission test was held on November 24, 2013 and results of admission seekers were announced on December 13 and the admission letters were sent to the successful candidates soon afterwards.

There had been very good response for admission in three newly introduced disciplines of Architecture, Software Engineering and Bio-Informatics.

The University has already appointed faculties for the new programs and according to a market survey there is high demand for those passing out from these fields.

Earlier, the University’s Board of Governors had approved the introduction of these three new programs in view of their high market value.

In view of introduction of new technologies and ever increasing number of admission seekers in the existing disciplines of Computer, Electronics, Civil, Telecommunication, Bio-Medical Engineering and Computer science, the university has already undertaken an expansion project whereby construction of a new block is going on speedily. Upon completion, the new block will provide increased space for class rooms and laboratories. 

US Aligarhian visits SSUET

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

“The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, is an institution on which, anyone having an admiration and love with the great reformer and educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, can feel pride for its being the fruit of Sir Syed’s educational endeavours.”

This was observed by Vice-Chancellor SSUET, Prof. Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi while speaking at a reception hosted by the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) in the honour of Dr Shaheer Khan, the visiting Aligarhian and a noted member of Aligarh Muslim University Alumni, Northern California.

Dr Jawaid Rizvi welcomed Dr Shaheer Khan and appreciated his services for the cause of the Aligarhians at the international level.

In his remarks on the occasion Dr Shaheer highlighted the establishment of the Aligarh Muslim University Alumni USA. He informed that its foundation was laid in the 1970s and now it has chapters in about 15 states which are playing an important role towards promotion of cause of education and Aligarh culture.

He further disclosed that a directory of Alumni members has also been prepared containing names and addresses of some 25,000 members from 102 countries of the world.

According to him quite a few websites have been developed and uploaded on the internet in relation to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and the Aligarh Muslim University which contain enormous information about the Aligarh Movement which ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan.

On the occasion he paid rich tributes to the late SSUET Chancellor Engr Z A Nizami and the the late General Secretary AMUOBA, Engr Mohammed Zakir Ali Khan, for the cause of promotion of the Aligarh Movement.

Appreciating the services of Dr Shaheed Khan in relation to the cause of Aligarhians, the AMUOBA’s General Secretary Mukhtar Ahmed Naqvi, described the establishment of the Sir Syed University as a great achievement of the Alumni of the Aligarh Muslim University and this exemplary feat was being eulogized the world over.

He suggested that a campaign be launched in the US for Endowment Fund of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology. 

Shoaib Adil deserves recognition after unearthing embezzlement, irregularities

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

Pakistan News & Features Services

The Karachi Railway Division authorities have unearthed Rs 0.7 million embezzlement at Mirpurkhas Railway station which led to the arrest senior reservation supervisor.

The supervisor was arrested following a discreet raid conducted by Divisional Commercial Officer (DCO), Shaoib Adil Mughal, who earlier had received a tip of the loss being caused to Pakistan Railway.

According to railway sources, the Mirpurkhas booking supervisor had not deposited the ticket sale amount of Rs 0.7 million and thus caused a revenue loss to the railway.

The sources pointed out that an Inspection Team from Railway Headquarter Lahore had visited Karachi Railway Division on November 22 and 23 and also inspected Mirpurkhas Railway station but did not report this fraud to Karachi Railway division authorities.

Shaoib Adil Mughal, after taking over as DCO on September 9, was credited to have unfolded two frauds of Karachi division inside a couple of months.

In year 2012, he was also instrumental in nabbing a gang of retired railway employees who were selling fake railway Paper card tickets in Karachi. A case was registered against them.

On that performance the Railway administration, headed by Anzar Ismail Rizvi, had recommended his name for bonus salary which was awarded to him besides the appreciation certificates.

This year, despite unfolded two frauds, he has not been rewarded yet and instead having been recommended for OSD which was quite frustrating and demoralizing for any civil servant who has performed very well during the Mid career Management Course at NIM Karachi which offered him to join NIM and render his services for NIM as Additional Directing Staff.

Since joining in September 2013, he has shifted at least a dozen staff on their irregularities and disciplinary action is underway against them 

Recently he raided 19 up at Ghadar station and in midnight Khyber Mail 1 up surprisingly from Kot and a STE in 1 up Khyber mail has been caught taking money from a passenger and he caught him on the spot.  He also conducted inspection of HDR-MPS section and caught minor irregularities and one major irregularity of a booking clerk at Tando Allahyar.

SSUET hailed for making fast strides in engineering education

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has been progressing at fast pace because of its highest quality of education and best possible facilities available to its students.

This was stated by the President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) and the Chancellor of the SSUET, Engr Mohammed Adil Usman, while addressing the Annual General Body of the AMUOBA held in Karachi.

He described the introduction of three new programmes of Architecture, Software Engineering and Bio Informatics from the 2014 academic session as a living example of the development and success of the university.

He said that since its inception, the university not only focused on providing best and most modern education but also produced a large number of engineers who have demonstrated their talent and skill not only in Pakistan but world over.

Engr Adil Usman pointed out that a major character of this university is that no student is deprived from acquisition of education merely because of financial constraints  but poor and deserving students are financially assisted and during the last academic year about Rs 35 million were given to 1884 boys and girls as scholarship.

He said that the establishment of CISCO Academy at SSUET was an important achievement and besides education in networking, the university has been made a center of online examination.

The Chancellor pointed out that the SSUET was the only university in the private sector where extracurricular activities were fully encouraged and its students won top positions in various important national and provincial events besides sports and which speaks of their talents.

Emphasizing upon making the promotion and pursuation of education mission of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan as the AMUOBA’s foremost objective he committed not to ignore the element of merit to achieve highest educational standards at the SSUET.

He specially recalled the services of AMUOBA’s late President, Engr Z A Nizami and its late Secretary, Mohammed Zakir Ali Khan, and said that foundation stone of a new 8-story academic block at the campus has been laid and the construction work was in full swing.

Earlier the AMUOBA’s Secretary Mukhtar Ahmed Naqvi present the Association’s Annual report, highlighting the successes made towards the achievement of its objectives.  The meeting approved the minutes of the AMUOBA’s previous AGM. The Treasurer SSUET, Salman Saleh presented the audited accounts of the Association.

KWSB launches crackdown against defaulters

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

 

The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) has launched a crackdown against defaulting domestic water consumers who were earlier served final disconnection noticed and severed 116 connections in the city’s different areas on November 26.

 

However, a team of KWSB’s revenue collection was attacked by some mischievous elements who opened fire at them in Federal-B-Area and A FIR has been filed against them, the KWSB said.

 

Deputy Managing Director Revenue, Mohammed Aslam Khan disclosed that some 17 billion rupees are outstanding against water consumers and a recovery campaign has been launched on the directives of the KWCB Chairman, Mohammed Sajid Jokhio, and Managing Director, Qutbuddin Shaikh.

 

Out of 116 connections severed, 21 were disconnected in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, 18 in Jamshed Town, 17 in North Nazimabad, 15 in Federal-B-Area, in Orangi, nine each in SITE and Saddar, seven in Korangi, four in Landhi, three in Bin Qasim and two in Lyari.  

 

Karachi facing water shortage due to power cuts

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Karachi is experiencing a water shortage of about 20 mgd daily and by the fifth day it had reached the shortage level of 90 mgd because of the shortage of power supply to its pumping stations.

“The Water Board is unable to supply 650 mgd water which has by now come down to 450 mgd,” a spokesman of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) disclosed, adding that a water crisis had developed in all areas of the city because power cut by the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC).

The KWSB has now enforced rotated water supply system and there had been shut down of water in Gulshan-e-Iqbal on November 25.

There will be no water supply to PAF Masroor, Baldia, Sher Shah, Pak Colony, Old Golimar, Nazimabad and SITE from 8 pm on November 26 for next the 24 hours, a KWSB announcement said.

It had already been warned the disconnection of power supply to the pumping stations of the KWSB could cause a severe crisis situation.

The KWSB, a public utility organization, has been supplying water on a very nominal rate on no profit no loss basis, despite the rate of recovery being on the lower side.

NED University’s Petroleum Engineering department attains global recognition

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Texas-based Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) has declared the Petroleum Engineering Department of the NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, as an outstanding chapter of the year 2013.

The NED University’s SPE student chapter has received the Outstanding Chapter Award (OCA) for the second time. The chapter has distinguished itself as one of the top seven distinguished SPE chapters around the globe.  

The other OCA recipients for 2013 are the University of Lagos, the Malaysia University of Technology, the University of Aberdeen, the Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense, Darcy Riberio, the University of Tulsa and Tyumen State Oil & Gas University.

The Exclusive SPE student chapter of Pakistan has received all the three prestigious awards including chapter of the month and the Gold Standard status besides the OCA in the SPE Middle East North Africa and India region.

After receiving these prestigious awards in 2011, the chapter has been crowned once again with the OCA for the year 2013 through assessment of its programmes, activities, and levels of participation during a single academic year in respect to over 200 other chapters worldwide.

The SPE Student Chapter team of Petroleum Engineering Department enjoys the pride and honour to raise the flag of Pakistan in the whole region and to have brought laurels to the university and the department through this regional and international recognition.

The SPE, founded in 1957 as a constituent society of the American Institute of Mining Engineers (AIME), is acclaimed as one of the largest individual-member organization serving managers, engineers, scientists and other professionals worldwide in the upstream segment of the oil and gas industry. It had become a separately incorporated organization in 1985.

The Oil and Gas Committee of AIME had evolved into the Petroleum Division of AIME as membership grew and as interest among the members was more clearly delineated among the mining, metallurgical, and petroleum specializations.

The SPE has reached its highest number of members in its history, partly due to the high growth rate in the number of student members and chapters. It continues its constant search for new ways to meet member needs in all phases of their careers in all parts of the world.

Meanwhile Prof Dr Muhammad Afzal Haque, Vice Chancellor, NED University of Engineering and Technology, and Prof Dr Sarosh Hashmat Lodi, Dean, CEA, have congratulated the Department of Petroleum Engineering, headed by its chairman Prof Dr Abid Murtaza Khan, on their accomplishments.

KWSB urge KESC to restore power supply to pumping stations

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Karachi faced a shortage of 120 mgd in the supplies made to the city following the disconnection of power supply to the pumping stations of the Karachi Water & Sewerage Board (KWSB) and the situation could go from bad to worse if the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) remained adamant in restoring electricity to pumping stations.

 “There is every possibility that a severe crisis situation may arise in the city due to water shortage as a result of KESC’s action,” Qutbuddin Shaikh. Managing Director, (KWSB), warned.

He said that schedule of water supply was badly affected due to shut down of power supply to pumping stations and if this continues, a volatile situation among citizens may erupt and particularly during the weekend when water consumption increases.

He pointed out that the KWSB was already faced with water shortage but KESC’s such behaviour could further worsen the situation making it difficult to maintain equitable supply of water.

Qutbuddin Shaikh reminded that the KWSB is a public utility organization which has been supplying water on a very nominal rate on no profit no loss basis.

He said although there is very low rate of recovery, still the KWSB was supplying water notwithstanding its limitations and KESC should keep the interest of people in view.

He said that the KESC should approach the Provincial and Federal Governments for settlement of its dues instead of punishing the citizens. He hoped that the KESC will make contact at government level instead of resorting to an extreme action.

Reiterating the caution that the water supply shortage can even result in a law and order situation, the KWSB Managing Director elaborated that it takes more time in restoring water supply than the shut down hours and as a result the water supply schedule gets badly affected.

First phase of SSUET Admission process completed

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The first phase of ongoing 2014 admission process at the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has been completed with the expiry of the deadline for the last date for submission of admission forms for various engineering disciplines.

The second phase will envisage holding of written test on November 24 to be held at Expo Center and display of lists of successful admission seekers thereafter. Over 5000 will be appearing in the test.

The university is offering admissions to Computer, Electronics, Civil, Telecommunication and Bio-Medical Engineering besides Computer Science. This year around 25-30 percent more admission forms have been submitted as compared to last year.

During academic session 2014, the SSUET is introducing three new programs of Architecture, Bio-Informatics and Software engineering. This would bring the total number of faculties at SSUET to nine.

The ongoing admission process was reviewed at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Chancellor SSUET Engr Mohammed Adil Usman and attended, among others, by Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid Hasan Rizvi and Registrar Syed Abrar Ali.

He directed that while granting admissions, high priority should be given to merit and transparency. He reiterated that holding of entry test on November 24 should be ensured in a peaceful environment.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid Hassan Rizvi is personally monitoring the entire admission process to ensure merit.

Maqsood-un-Nabi takes over as new Railways DS Karachi

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Maqsood-un-Nabi, an officer of the railway group, has been transferred from the Pakistan Railways Headquarters, Lahore, and posted as the Divisional Superintendent of the Karachi Division.

Before the new assignment, Maqsood-un-Nabi was working as the Chief Operating Superintendent at the Railway HQ Lahore and he now replaces Mahmood Lashari who, on transfer, has been posted as Director General Vigilance at the Railway HQ.

Earlier Maqsood-un-Nabi had served as the Chief Commercial Manager at Lahore and besides also having worked as the Deputy DS Railway at Karachi. He brings with him very rich experience in the field of railway operation as well as commercial sector.

“My main focus will be on punctuality of trains and passenger facilitation,” the DS Railways said in an interview adding that since he took over the punctuality rate went up from previous low of 73 percent to 87 percent at present and it will improve further in coming days with the kind of measures being taken by him.

He said that he had taken up the management sector as a challenge for himself and issued directives to divisional managers to bring improvement in their managerial skills to achieve the desired targets set for them which include punctuality of train operation, public facilitation and most important revenue generation.

Maqsood-un-Nabi remarked that back marketing of tickets has been controller by 99 percent and severe action taken against those involved in the menacing practices. He said that he has the full cooperation of SP Railway Police and Divisional Commercial Officer and black sheep in the force are being screened out.

The DS Railway added that he had also taken up the issue of railway’s land  grabbing and in his very first meeting with divisional officers he issued directive for developing a system to have immediate information about any case of land grabbing and initiation of immediate action by the anti-encroachment cell which too has been activated.

Under public facilitation program, he said, passengers going for upcountry dest inations are informed about delays in departure of trains through mobile phone messaging so that they may not have to face any inconvenience by reaching the station on time.

Similarly cleaning coaches of trains leaving for upcountry destinations is being ensured particularly with emphasis on water and power supply. He said he had issued strict instruction that there should not be repetition of any problem once identified.

He said that on his directive a railway is deputed at Cantonment Station who would check the trains and submit report about any event taking place during his duty hour.

SSUET extends date for submission of Admission Forms until November 18

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has extended the last date for submission of admission forms until November 18.

The deadline for submission of forms was expiring on November 11 but in view of the rush of the admission seekers, the university extended the date by a week to accommodate them.

There, however, is no change in the date of aptitude test which is scheduled to be held on November 24. It has been emphasized that the admissions will be strictly on merit giving weightage to marks obtained in Matric (SSC), Intermediate (HSC) and aptitude test.

This year there has been an all time high number of students seeking to get admission in engineering disciplines of Computer, Electronics, Civil, Bio-Medical, Telecommunication besides Computer Science with more than 30 percent increase reported in the number of admission seekers as compared to last year. 

The SSUET has over 5500 students on its roll studying in the engineering disciplines of Computer, Electronics, Bio-Medical, Civil and Telecommunication besides Computer Science. The university is already offering post-graduate programs at Master and Ph.D levels besides robust continuous education program in the evening.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has granted highest "W4" ranking to the University while graded as 5-star University by the Charter Inspection and Evaluation Committee of Sindh Government. The ISO 9001 certified, SSUET is a member of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and International Association of Universities (IAU), UNESCO, Paris.

More students submit admissions forms at SSUET as November 11 deadline nears

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

With less than a week left for the deadline of submission of applications for admission to various engineering disciplines being offered at the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), there is greater rush at the counters set up for the purpose.

The university has fixed November 11 as the last date for submission of admission forms while the aptitude test will be held on November 24.

This year there has been an all time high number of students seeking to get admission in engineering disciplines of Computer, Electronics, Civil, Bio-Medical, Telecommunication besides Computer Science and already there has been a 25-30 percent increase in the number of admission seekers as compared to last year. 

From the new academic session 2014, the University is offering new programmes of Architecture, Software Engineering and Bio-Informatics. However, this will be subject to approval from accreditation bodies.

Keeping the ever growing number of admission seekers and seats limitations in view, the university has chalked out an expansion program whereby a new block to provide more class rooms and laboratories is being constructed to fulfill the PEC laid criteria.

 The university is also exploring the possibility of introducing some more BS program and research institutes. The university has allocated limited seats on merit for the wards of overseas Pakistanis.

The SSUET has over 5500 students on its roll studying in the engineering disciplines of Computer, Electronics, Bio-Medical, Civil and Telecommunication besides Computer Science. The university is already offering post-graduate programs at Master and Ph.D levels besides robust continuous education program in the evening.

It may be mentioned here that Higher Education Commission has granted highest "W4" ranking to the University while graded as 5-star University by the Charter Inspection and Evaluation Committee of Sindh Government.

The ISO 9001 certified, SSUET is a member of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and International Association of Universities (IAU), UNESCO, Paris. The university has announced that the admissions will be strictly on merit giving weightage to marks obtained in Matric (SSC), Intermediate (HSC) and Aptitude test.

Chancellor Adil Usman lays foundation stone of new academic block at SSUET

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The construction of a new academic block at the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, got underway with the laying of foundation stone and unveiling of the plaque by its Chancellor Engr Mohammad Adil Usman. The block has been named after the university’s first Chancellor, Engr Z A Nizami, who expired earlier this year.

Speaking on the occasion, Engr Adil Usman described the development of the Engr Z A Nizami Block as a matter of commitment and values and said it is being constructed in recognition of the remarkable services rendered by late Chancellor for the cause of engineering education and in pursuing the mission of great reformer and educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.

“Our all out focus is to make the university a centre of excellence and distinction and this new block will serve in fulfilling the cherished objectives,” he stated.

Chancellor Adil Usman was of the view that our commitment to this institution is not simply a matter of creating modern facilities for students or developing a brigade of teachers, but also elevate it to a position serving as a national asset in the field of modern engineering education..

“This objective will be achieved through an ambitious programme of raising truly professional teachers by way of attracting talented candidates, sharing best practices, introducing curricular innovations and above all providing most modern training facilities.

The new block is to be constructed on an area of 43,961 square feet and will have state of the art laboratories of geology, surveying, environment, geo-informatics, simulation, antenna engineering and transmission switching besides 16 spacious class rooms.

Aligarhians won to carry forward of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s mission

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Aligarhians have vowed to continue to carry forward the mission of great reformer and educationist, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan who devoted his entire life for emancipation of Muslims of South Asia and Islamic renaissance.

The commitment of Aligarhians came in this regard on the occasion of Sir Syed Day marking the 196th birth anniversary of great reformer Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, observed under the auspices of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA).

“The steps taken by AMUOBA and its members will continue to carry forward the mission of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan,” said Engr Mohammed Adil Usman, President AMUOBA and Chancellor Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology while addressing the Sir Syed Day function held at AMUOBA’s headquarters in Karachi.

He said that the AMUOBA observed Sir Syed Day every year to pay homage to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and to refresh the minds of younger generation about the life and achievements of the great reformer who brought a revolution among the Muslims of South Asia and which finally led to the creation of Pakistan.

“The objective is to continue with the struggle to further propagate the educational perception propounded by Sir Syed,” Chancellor Adil Usman said and added that the life of great reformer was rich with the implementation of mission for the aforesaid cause.

“He is our role model and will continue to be so and the AMUOBA will keep moving forward for the fulfillment of Syed’s mission and the implementation of his thoughts and ideology.” he declared.

Earlier noted intellectuals, researchers and writers in their speeches shed light on the life and achievements of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and said that today again the nation needs another Sir Syed who could emancipate it from its present day vows and tribulations.

They included Prof Waqar Ahmed Rizvi, Azad Bin Hyder, Mahmood Sham, Prof Sehhar Ansari, and Khawaja Razi Hyder.

Mohammed Umer Khan, a SSUET student earned big applauds when he spoke on the life and history of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and his contribution towards Islamic renaissance in South Asia.

Prof Waqar spoke at length about Sir Syed’s efforts for promotion of the cause of Urdu and particularly the establishment of Scientific Society which was reflective of his wisdom and farsightedness.

He pointed out that Sir Syed’s visit to London too was for the cause of Urdu  and where he conceived the plan for publication of  “Tehzib Iskhlaq” through which he later brought a mental revolution among the Muslims of South AAsia.

Azad Bin Hyder recounted the researches carried out by Muslims in the fields of science and medical and which was practiced by Europe.

He cited an example of Dr Hamidullah whom the French government assigned the translation of Holy Quran in French and the then President Gen De Gaulle approved unlimited budget for the purpose.

Noted Journalist and poet Mahmood Sham in his thought-provoking speech pointed out that the Aligarh Muslim University was established for the sake of a bright future of the Muslims and through his mission Sir Syed Ahmed Khan brought a change in the very complexion of sub-continent.

“Today we are remembering the great reformer at a time when we are again a victim of unfortunate conditions,” he pointed out adding that once again we need a Sir Syed who could lead us to emancipation.

He said the nation cannot get rid of selfishness and personal gains unless the very spirit of Sir Syed Ahmed is revived.

Prof Sehar Ansari described Sir Syed a revolutionary personality and said there could hardly be anyone who would not be aware of his greatness, farsightedness and services and his wisdom and foresight emerged as guiding principles for the Muslims.

Khawaja Razi Hyder said the sub-continent cannot brig to fore an example matching the achievements of Sir Syed. He said no one can envelope his multi-faceted personality. He promoted educational thinking and provided a thoughtful base.

On the occasion the SSUET students presented the “Tarana-e-Aligarh” which Aligarhians sung in unison.

At the end of his presidential speech, Engr Adil Usman recounted the services of late SSUET Chancellor and President AMUOBA, Engr Z A Nizami, and late General Secretary AMUOBA, Engr Zakir Ali Khan, for their contribution towards propagation of the mission and the cause carried forward by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and said that establishment of Aligarh Institute of Technology and Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology was reflective of their efforts made with the contribution from AMUOBA members.

The function ended with a vote of thanks presented by General Secretary of the AMUOBA, Mukhtar Ahmed Naqvi.

Rotary to highlight global efforts on World Polio Day 2013

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Rotary International will highlight progress in the global effort to end polio on the occasion of the annual World Polio Day to be observed on October 24.

“World Polio Day 2013 provides a golden opportunity for Rotary and its partners to build public support for the historic final push now underway to wipe out this disabling viral disease once and for all,” Rotary International’s Pakistan PolioPlus Chair, Aziz Memon, remarked.

“In Chicago, where the humanitarian service organization was founded in 1905, Rotary and Northwestern University’s Center for Global Health will convene an international panel of experts to discuss the progress of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which Rotary co-launched in 1988. The event, World Polio Day: Making History, will be streamed live to a global online audience at endpolionow.org from Northwestern University’s John Hughes Auditorium, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, beginning at 5:30 pm. CST on October 24,” he disclosed.

The confirmed panelists included Dr Bruce Aylward, the world’s leading expert on polio eradication and assistant director-general for polio, emergencies and country collaboration at the World Health Organization; Dr. Robert Murphy, director of Northwestern University’s Center for Global Health; and U.S. Paralympian Dennis Ogbe, a polio survivor and ambassador for the United Nations Foundation’s Shot@Life program. An executive with Brown-Forman Co, Ogbe is originally from Nigeria, one of only three countries where the wild poliovirus has never been stopped.

Also invited is Emmy award-winning actress Archie Panjabi, one of Rotary’s End Polio Now celebrity ambassadors. In 2012, Panjabi helped Rotary volunteers immunize children in India, where she spent part of her childhood. Once considered the nation facing the most serious challenges to eradication, India was removed from the polio-endemic list in January 2012. If Panjabi is unable to attend in person, the Chicago program will include exclusive video of her work in India.

“This year, World Polio Day fundraisers will have greater impact due to the new fundraising campaign, End Polio Now: Make History Today, recently launched by Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation will match two for one every new dollar Rotary commits to polio eradication up to US$35 million per year through 2018,” Aziz Memon revealed.

“World Polio Day provides an important and timely opportunity for us to let the world know that every dollar contributed to Rotary for polio eradication will work three times as hard,” Dr Robert S. Scott, MD, Chair of Rotary’s PolioPlus programme, observed in his message.

“Rotary invites everyone, private citizens, businesses, non-profits, to join us in this historic effort. Only one other human disease (smallpox) has ever been beaten. Now is our best chance ever to make polio the second,” he stressed.

Rotary clubs in every region of the world have planned an array of activities on or leading up to World Polio Day.

Rotary clubs in India planned a nationwide series of outdoor illuminations carrying Rotary’s “End Polio Now” message on World Polio Day. In January, India will celebrate three years of no new polio cases, a huge milestone for a country once considered to harbor the most serious challenges to eradication.

Scores of Rotary clubs worldwide working with local schools to organize Purple Clothes Days encouraged each student to wear a purple item of clothing and make a small donation to Rotary’s polio eradication program.

The concept began with Rotary clubs in England, inspired by the purple dye that health workers in polio-affected countries place on children’s pinky fingers to show they have received the oral polio vaccine. Similarly, many Rotary clubs in England, Kenya and elsewhere are selling fabric “purple crocus” lapel pins in support of polio eradication.

In Kenya, Rotary clubs will work with partnering agencies and the national government to use World Polio Day to launch the next round of national polio immunization activities in early November, a campaign deemed critical due to the recent outbreak of imported cases throughout the Horn of Africa.

Rotary clubs in Lagos, Nigeria, will be partnering with the Cycology Riding Club to do a six-hour relay bicycle ride to promote World Polio Day and the national immunization rounds set for early November. The event is reportedly Nigeria’s first-ever bike-a-thon.

In partnership with UNICEF, Rotary clubs in Pakistan, another polio-endemic country, on World Polio Day will begin distributing 5,000 copies of a 16-page “speaking book” that health workers and parents can use to teach young children the importance of polio vaccinations and basic hygiene. The audio version of the text is in the regional languages of Urdu and Pashto.

In Spain and Portugal, Rotary clubs are generating public support for polio eradication via the crowd-speaking platform, Thunderclap, in a campaign that concludes on World Polio Day.

Historically, Rotary had helped launch the Global Polio Eradication Initiative with the WHO, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since then, Rotary club members worldwide have contributed more than $1.2 billion and countless volunteer hours to the polio eradication effort.

Overall, the annual number of new polio cases has plummeted by more than 99 percent since the 1980s, when polio infected about 350,000 children a year. Only 223 new cases were recorded for all of 2012. More than two billion children have been immunized in 122 countries, preventing five million cases of paralysis and 250,000 deaths. Polio today remains endemic in only three countries, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan, although “imported” cases in previously polio-free areas, such as the Horn of Africa, will continue to occur until the virus is finally stopped in the endemic countries.

Rotary is a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary’s 1.2 million members hail from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. 

Senior journalist S M Ozair passes away

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

S M Ozair, a veteran journalist, passed away in Karachi on October 20. His Namaz-e-Janaza was offered at Masjid Suroor in Block-N of North Nazimabad and he was later laid to rest at the nearby Sakhi Hasan graveyard. His burial was largely attended by relatives, friends and journalists.

The 85-year old S M Ozair has left behind a son and two daughters besides grandsons and granddaughters to mourn his death. The Soyem will be held on October between Asr and Maghrib prayers. The arrangements for Quran Khwani and Fateha Khwani have been made for both gents and ladies at his house B-52, Block-N, North Nazimabad.

He had retired from the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), the national news agency of the country, after a long and distinguished career during which he served as Special Correspondent at Beijing, China.

Upon return from China he had worked as Director Administration at the APP Headquarters in Islamabad and later served as Director Economic News Service at Karachi from where he finally retired in the early 1990s.

S M Ozair was rated very highly in the profession. His competence as a reporter, particularly in the field of economics, was talked about with awe.

Sir Syed University celebrates Liaquat Day

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The life and achievements of Pakistan's first Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan were recalled at a Liaquat Day seminar organized at Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi. 

Noted speakers paid rich tribute to the services of Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan during the Pakistan Movement and then as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion Chancellor SSUET Engr Adil Usman said that today we are living in an independent state which was achieved so that Muslims of South Asia could order their lives in accordance with the tenets of Islam.

The state in which we are living with respect and dignity was not achieved as a gift on a platter but as a result of strenuous movement steered by Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah and leaders like Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan, he pointed out. 

He informed that Liaquat Ali Khan was a graduate of the Aligarh Muslim University and he rose into prominence within the Muslim League during the 1930s.

He was the one who persuaded Quaid-e-Azam to return to India, an event which paved the way for Pakistan movement in which Nawab Liaquat Ali Khan remained all along with Quaid-e-Azam and which culimnated into the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia on August 14, 1947.

Chancellor Adil Usman pointed out that during his parliamentary career Liaquat Ali Khan will always adhere to his opinion even in the face of severe odds. He took active part in legislative affairs and was a part of the Muslim delegation in the national convention held in Calcutta to evaluate the Nehru Report in 1928.

Addressing the seminar renowned researcher Khawaja Razi Haider said that in response to the division of India on the basis of bi-nation theory, around 144 proposals, plans, concepts and suggestions came forward.

  

Another speaker Mehfooz-un-Nabi Khan said Liaquat Ali Khan pursued an effective foreign policy, based on national interest. He did economic wonders and controlled price-hike in Pakistan when the world faced a severe recession.

He recalled that when Liaquat Ali Khan took over as Prime Minister he had no official residence, and stayed at Haroon House.

Noted intellectual Prof Dr Waqar Ahmed Rizvi described Liaquat Ali Khan as a role model for the youth and said he was a true successor of Quaid e Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. 

Prominent scholar Dr Muhammad Raza Kazmi said when Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated, his mother was alive and was proud of her son’s pure character.

Renowned poet Anwar Azmi presented poetic tribute to the great leader Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan, while Registrar Syed Abrar Ali presented the vote of thanks.

SSUET admission process in full swing

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, is witnessing an ever growing desire of students seeking to take admission in this university ever since the process for admissions had started with November 11 being the last date for submitting application forms and the aptitude test to be held on November 24.

Over 2,200 prospective applicants have obtained prospectus while about 2,000 had purchased model test papers. The number of candidates obtaining prospectus was estimated to be higher by about 20 to 25 percent as compared to the same period last year.

The process started for admissions in engineering disciplines of Electronics, Civil, Computer, Telecommunication and Bio-Medical besides Computer Science

The University is all set to introduce new programs of Architecture, Software Engineering and Bio-Informatics from academic year 2014.

The university is also exploring the possibility of introducing BS program at its Institute of Environment and Human Settlements. It has allocated limited seats on merit for the wards of overseas Pakistanis.

The SSUET has over 5500 students on its roll studying in the engineering disciplines of Computer, Electronics, Bio-Medical, Civil and Telecommunication besides computer science. The university is already offering post-graduate programs and at Master and Ph.D levels besides robust continuous education program in the evening.

According to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Jawaid H Rizvi, the introduction of new programs from new academic year would open up doors for those who want to enter the fields having greater potential to cope with the growing market demands.

It may be mentioned here that Higher Education Commission has granted highest W4 ranking to the University while graded as 5-star University by the Charter Inspection and Evaluation Committee of Sindh Government.

The ISO 9001 certified, SSUET is a member of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and International Association of Universities (IAU), UNESCO, Paris.

According to the university announcement, the admissions will be strictly on merit giving weightage to marks obtained in Matric (SSC), Intermediate (HSC) and Aptitude test.